Arica
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Positives
- Ultra-consistent swell
- Powerful reefbreaks
- Magic Alacran peninsula
- Big wave riding options
- Dry, warm climate
Negatives
- Shallow reefs and urchins
- Board-breaking conditions
- Far from international hubs
- Increasing crowds
- Wetsuits necessary
Arica surf travel guide
Arica The extreme north of Chile showcases a string of gnarly reefbreaks, breaking close to the shore, on the wave-rich Alacran Peninsula. When groups of Peruvian and southern Chilean surfers discovered the potential in the late ‘70s, skills and equipment prevented the pioneers from tackling the reefbreaks, so the surfing scene was focused on the friendlier beachbreaks north of town. Since then, brave locals and visitors have ventured into the shallow, hard-breaking line-ups like El Gringo and have paddled or towed into the outside bombs of El Buey. When the pro circus arrived in 2007, even the world’s best struggled to tame the tubes, so this is definitely not a zone for beginners. It is super-consistent for swell and light winds so late summer may be the ideal time to visit this city of eternal spring in the world’s driest desert, the Atacama. Only 20km (12.5mi) from the Peruvian border, Arica has become a tax-free party town with lot’s of Chilean and international tourists drawn to the city’s beaches and nightlife.
Surf spots in Arica
Research the 11 surf breaks in Arica and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 11 breaks in Arica.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Arica
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Library
Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring Arica.
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 5,723,000
- Population
- 19,116,201
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- CLP
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 538.75 CLP CLP
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +56
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 911
- Language
- Spanish
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cl
Visas
For most countries in the world no visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days.
Getting There
No visa required. LanChile flies daily to Chacalluta Airport from Santiago (31/2h, $140r/t) with two stopovers. Overland, Arica is 2000km (1250mi) away from Santiago de Chile (bus: $50, 26h) and 20km (12mi) from the Peruvian border, via the Pan American Highway.
Getting Around
Renting a car ($300/w) is not crucial unless you plan to explore the area between Arica & Iquique. The collectivos bus service is cheap and reliable and many spots lie within walking distance. A collectivo to Iquique only costs $10 (4h). Bike rentals are available for $12/d. Lan-Chile passes are good value.
Accommodation
There are many budget hotels in town and $25 will get you a nice double. Try Hostal Chez Charlie ($14/dble), Hotel Lynch ($37/dble) or Hotel San Marcos ($15/dble). $10 gets an excellent seafood meal, which can be accompanied by Chilean wine or Pisco Sour.
Activities
Arica is the gateway to the Altiplano, check out geoglyphs (pictures drawn on the hillsides) and pukaras (Indian fortresses). El Morro Hill is a national historic monument, offering great panoramic views. The San Marcos de Arica church was designed by Gustav Eiffel. People meet around El Alacrán at night time.
Hazards & hassles
Wave dangers are obvious - big peaks, powerful lips, shallow, sharp reefs and urchins. Crowds are mostly bodyboards and foreigners, peaks are not real crowded but 10 guys are enough to fill the take-off zone. No land dangers.
Handy Hints
Arica has several surf shops (Huntington, Solari) but bring a quiver, with real guns if big waves tempt. Booties are essential. A surf school called Swells was started in the year 2000; it already has close to 100 students. Most men work in mines in the desert and the city is filled with good-looking Chilean girls.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.